‘Oppenheimer’ IMAX 70mm Tickets Are Going For Upwards Of $500

Some people have issue shelling out $20 for a regular movie ticket, but what about $1,000? Christopher Nolan’s new epic thriller Oppenheimer has been teasing moviegoers with a limited number of IMAX screenings in 70MM, which has been endorsed by the director as the proper way to view the movie. This has sparked viewers to take extreme measures to guarantee themselves the best viewing experience possible.

Starring Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh and Robert Downey Jr., the movie tells the real life story of Robert J. Oppenheimer (Murphy), also known as the Father of the Atomic Bomb. During World War II, the physicist is recruited to lead a team of scientists in developing and designing the atomic bomb that’s later used to attack the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in what is known as the world’s first nuclear explosion. 

The anticipated flick hit theaters July 21, 2023 as one-half of the Barbenheimer craze, and has since garnered high critical reception.

Prior to the release of Oppenheimer, Nolan stated in an interview that he recommends viewers to watch the movie in IMAX theaters which allows for increased larger images and better sound quality. “Oppenheimer’s story is one of the biggest stories imaginable. Our film tries to take you into his experience, and IMAX for me is a portal into a level of emotion that you can’t get from other formats,” he said. “It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the story.”

In response, AMC has been hosting screenings in IMAX with 70mm film in a mere 19 theaters around the United States. The exclusivity of the event has led to increased wait times and moviegoers undergoing long commutes and spending more money on their movie plans. Regional newspapers in Texas, Tennessee and more have reported that all available IMAX tickets had sold out during the opening weekend. More recently, NPR stated that fans are traveling several hours to see the movie in its intended format.

Even wackier, some are flocking to resale websites to nab the special tickets from scalpers. 

One Twitter user shared a screenshot of a Craigslist ad that listed eight tickets to view Oppenheimer in IMAX 70mm film at AMC Lincoln Square 13 in New York City for $1400. Yes, that’s right. $175 a ticket. The normal price for the ticket, listed on the Fandango website, is $22.59.

We are so back pic.twitter.com/Aefa3afGn5

— Huge Ma (@turbovax) July 24, 2023

While Decider can verify the existence of the Craigslist post, the tickets have seemingly been sold as the post has since been removed from the website and no longer lists a person of contact. 

But the anonymous lister isn’t the only one trying to get more bang for their buck. A quick glance through related Craigslist pages shows similar listings. Another since deleted post, titled “Oppenheimer IMAX for sale” reads, “I have one ticket for the 7/26 2:30pm showing, row F. Make me an offer. This is for AMC Lincoln Square 13, IMAX 70mm.” 

A third post reads, “I have one ticket for the Sunday 8/6 10:30am showing, row E. I can’t go anymore. Make me an offer. AMC Lincoln Square 13, IMAX 70mm.” 

The last two examples are a bit more ambiguous in its listing price as “make me an offer” gives buyers the opportunity to purchase the tickets at their original price, or a lower price, however the dubious nature of the scalping still stands – especially because AMC has a very accessible refund process on their website and via the app that allows ticket holders to request refunds for their tickets ahead of their screenings. 

Decider reached out to AMC for comment, but did not hear back by the time of publication. 

In addition to the Craigslist listings, ticket resellers are also listing their hefty prices on eBay with one lister selling a single IMAX 70mm film ticket for August 16 at 10:30pm at AMC Lincoln Square 13 with the starting price of $499.00.

We’ve never before seen anything like this — but rather than harp on it, let’s clap for Nolan. Cinema is back, baby! Good luck getting yourself a ticket.